Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas had a meeting with Commander of the Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum General Jörg Vollmer Thursday. During a visit to the Ministry of National Defence General presented further actions on the course of strengthening the Alliance readiness to ensure collective defence in the region.
Minister A. Anušauskas pointed out to the guest the deteriorating situation as a result of the aggressive Russian military posture and activity, and of the Russian and Belarusian integration as well, in a discussion on the security situation, NATO deterrence and enhancement of defence in the Baltic states. According to Minister, those factors made NATO forces in Lithuania a particular necessity.
“Lithuania needs a strong and persistent NATO military presence, and a swift reinforcement as well. We will continue meeting the 2 % of GDP commitment and strengthening our armed forces and public resilience,” Minister A. Anušauskas.
“It is rejoicing to hear that General Vollmer noticed the significant progress Lithuania had made over the past 5–6 years. He was amazed by Lithuania’s ability to assemble forces on short notice,” added A. Anušauskas.
Minister and Gen J. Vollmer also addressed the NATO Summit which was held earlier in the week and implementation of the decisions it took. After the meeting Thursday, A. Anušauskas and Gen J. Vollmer took part in the change of command of the NATO Force Integration Unit Lithuania ceremony.
Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (Kingdom of the Netherlands) is an operational NATO headquarters which coordinates the NATO measures of deterrence and readiness for defence in the region.
Photo credits: G.Maksimovicz-Alkema
